The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted unanimously to drop a lawsuit against the largest Christian university in the country, Grand Canyon University (GCU).
Under the Biden administration, the FTC filed the lawsuit in late 2023, alleging that GCU engaged in deceptive business practices with its doctoral programs. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) previously removed GCU’s nonprofit status in 2019, fining the school $37 million. Although the fine was rescinded earlier this year, the ED has not yet restored its nonprofit status.
All parties filed a joint Stipulation of Dismissal with Prejudice with the court after a judge dismissed the lawsuit.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson stated regarding the decision, “This case, which we inherited from the previous administration, was filed nearly two years ago and has suffered losses in two motions to dismiss. These losses are compounded by recent events: Grand Canyon secured a victory over the Department of Education in a related matter before the Ninth Circuit; the Department of Education rescinded a massive fine levied on related grounds; and the Internal Revenue Service confirmed that Grand Canyon University is properly claiming 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation designation.”
GCU President Brian Mueller (pictured above) said in a press release, “As we have stated from the beginning, not only were these accusations false, but the opposite is true,” Mueller said. “We go above and beyond what is required in our disclosures and are recognized as a leader in this area.”
GCU said the decision is “ending years of coordinated lawfare by government officials under the Biden Administration against the largest Christian university in the country.”
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